Carton folding machine



Jan. 4, 1949. A. R'. CAKE CARTON FOLDING MACHINE 7 sheets-sheet -1 Filed Aug. s. 1944 I N V EN TOR.

Jan. 4, 1949. A. R. CAKE CARTON v FOLDING MACHINE Filed Aug. 3, 1944 7 Sheets-Sheet 2 if A Jan. 4, 1949.

Filed Aug. s, 1944 A. R. CAKE CARTON FOLDING MACHINE "j TIL-'Sti 11h h 1 Jan. 4, 1949. A. R. CAKE I CARTON FOLDING MACHINE Filed Aug. 3, 1944 7 Sheets-Sheet 4 INVENTOR. 'a e.

A. R. CAKE CARTON FOLING MACHINE Jan. 4, 1949.

Filed Aug. 5, 1944 '7 sheets-sheet 5 INVENTOR. ffyJ/*e'n F. Ta/fe.

Jan. 4, 1949. ,1 R CAKE 2,458,341-

CRTON FOLDING MACHINE Filed Aug. 5, 1944 A sheets-sheet e IN V EN TOR.

Jan. 4, 1949. A. R. CAKE 2,458,341

CARTON FOLDING MACHINE Filed Aug. 5, 1944 '7 Sheets-Sheet 7 Patented Jan. 4, 1,949

UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE CARTON FOLDING MACHINE Andrew R. Cake, Norfolk, Va.

Application August 3, 1944, Serial No. 547,821

19 Claims.

The present invention relates to folding machines and particularly relates to machines for folding cardboard or paper cartons or boxes.

The primary object of the present invention is to provide improvements in machines of the type mentioned whereby carton or box blanks may be accurately and quickly folded and assembled into condition for filling.

The particular improvements to which the present invention is directed include improvements in the blank feeding mechanism; improvements in the hold-down mechanism; improvements in the means for engaging and folding and securing the carton walls; and improvements in the combined operation of the feeding, hold-down, and folding mechanism.

Other objects of the invention will become apparent from the following specication, the drawings relating thereto and from the claims hereinafter set forth.

In the drawings, in which like numerals are used to designate like parts in the several different views throughout:

Figure 1 is a perspective view of a folding mechanism embodying features of the present invention;

Fig. 2 is a perspective View of a portion of the structure shown in Fig. 1, particularly the hopper and feed mechanism;

Fig. 3 is a perspective view of a portion of the structure shown in Fig. 1 showing one blank in folding position and prior to the operation of the hold-down and wall folding mechanisms;

Fig. 4 is a view similar to Fig. 3 showing the same elements in a dierent period of operation;

Fig. 5 is a perspective view of a portion of the operating means;

Fig. 6 is a top plan View of the blank support and wall folding mechanism;

Fig. '7 is an enlarged cross-sectional View taken substantially along the line 1 1 of Fig. 2;

Fig. 8 is a cross-sectional view taken substantially along the line 8-8 of Fig. 6;

Fig. 9 is a cross-sectional view taken substantially along the line 9-9 of Fig. 6;

Fig. 10 is a side elevational view of the structure shown in Fig. 1, but with certain parts removed for the purpose of clarity;

Fig. 11 is a cross-sectional view taken substantially along the line Il-II of Fig. 10;

Fig. 12 is an enlarged, broken, elevational view of the side folding operating mechanism shown in Fig. 10;

Fig. 13 is a broken view of a portion of the 2 structure shown in Fig. 12 and substantially at a right angle thereto;

Fig. 14 is a side elevational View of the holddown mechanism;

Fig. 15 is a view similar to Fig. 14 taken at a right angle thereto; l

Fig. 16 is a partial cross-sectional view taken through the hold-down mechanism and side folding mechanism showing the relationship of such mechanism in one stage of the operation;

Fig. 17 is a plan view of a blank adapted to be folded `by the mechanism of the present invention;

Fig. 18 is a perspective View of the folded carton and Fig. 19 is an enlarged cross-sectional View taken substantially along the line lil-i9 oi Fig. 18.

The machine of the present invention is particularly adapted for folding the cartons disclosed in the copending application of A. R. Cake, Serial No. 483,150, led April 15, 1943 (which has been abandoned).

Referring to Figs. 17, 18 and 19, a flat blank is generally indicated at 2li and is formed from a sheet of paper or cardboard of single thickness. The blank is suitably cut or scored to form the Various portions of the container which comprises a bottom 22, a front side wall 24, a rear side wall 26, and end Walls 28 and 38, all of which are joined to the bottom 22 along the scored lines 32. The end walls 28 and Sil are joined to the side walls 24 and 23 by corner gussets 34. Such corner gussets 34 are formed with diagonal perforations 36 over a portion of the length thereof, which perforations are joined with score lines 38 at the inner corners thereof.

The gussets 3ft are joined to the adjacent sides and end walls by score lines 32.

The end walls 28 and S are formed with integral extensions All, which are substantially the same area as the ends 28 and 3e so that when they are folded inwardly, they overlie the ends 23 and 30 and are substantially coextensive therewith.

The ends 28 and 38 are formed with longitudinally extending slots 42 therethrough which are located in the central regions thereof. Diverging slots d4 are also formed in the end members 28 and 3B at the ends of the slots 42 and joined therewith.

Tongues 46 are struck out of the end extensions 40 and are positioned to be received through slots 42 when the carton is folded. The extensions 40 are joined to the ends 28 and 30 by score lines 48 If an open top carton or tray is desired, the structure so far described will be sufficient. However, where an enclosed carton is desired, as in the frozen food industry, a top portion 50 is provided which is integral with the side wall 26. The top portion 5D is of substantially the same area as the bottom 22 and is formed with a front flap exten- Side The top extension 54 'isformed with tabs 62 at the ends thereof, which are joined with the extension 54 along Score lines 64. The extension 54 is formed with a tongue projection 6E, which isr adapted to be received within longitudinal slot 68 formed in the end wall 24 when the top is closed. 3 'lhe machine of the present invention does not fold the top, but merely folds the carton to the l stage shown in Figs. 13 and 19.

lin general, in the machine of the present invention, a hopper is Iprovided which is adapted to contain a plurality of stacked fiat blanks 2|). A reciprocating feed-table is yprovided which moves between the hopper and the foldingystation or folding table so that it moves one of the blanks at a time from the hopper tothe yfolding position and returns to the hopper for the next blank. The flat blank is disposed on the folding table and a hold-down plunger then acts to engage the bottom of the fiat blank and hold it while the walls thereof are bent upwardly to a position at 90 to the bottom. During the folding of the end and side walls upwardly, the corner gussets are bent so that they are folded inwardly and against the end walls. Such gussets are held in this position against the end walls while vthe extensions on the end walls are folded over the gussets and, 'as the extensions are folded down` wardly and forwardly, the means holding the gussets against the side walls are moved yout -of the way. The means which fold the end walls and extensions are formed with complementary recesses and projections so that the .tabs 1.4.6 are pressed outwardly through slots 42 to lock .the-extensions li to the end walls 28 and'to furthermore lock the gussets in position. rAfter the folding operation, the folding means and the hold-down plunger are retracted and as the next succeeding blank is fed to the folding position, it engages and pushes the folded carton out of the way and onto a collection chute.

Referring to Figs. 1 to 16, an embodiment of the present invention for folding the carton blank 29 is illustrated. The carton folding machine comprises a base or standard generally 4indicated at S which is generally in the form of a table. Such standard is in the form of .al-frame composed of a plurality of vertical, horizontal and transverse elements arranged and connected vto provide the supporting elements for the various forming and operating mechanisms which are mounted thereon. The `forming and yoperating elements, which are described in detail hereinafter, are merelydescribed as being mounted on the frame, -the particular arrangement and -relationship being clearly illustrated in the drawings. Y v A plurality of stacked, flat blanks 2i! are posi- 4tioned on the table surface of the frame 80 within a hopper formed by upstanding Amembers i115 having inwardly directed'sides |05. The upper ends of the members |05 and |96 may be turned outwardly to assist in positioning the carton blanks therein. Such hopper members are vattached to grooved bars |99. These grooved bars 4 are each supported on an overhanging plate which may be bolted to the framev 80. The lower edges of sides |06 nearest the folding mechanism terminate above the top surfaces of plates |91 in spaced relation thereto a distance slightly greater than the thickness of one of the carton blanks so that such blanks may be slid thereunder so that the lower edges thereof will serve as a stop to prevent the feed of the next succeedingfblank. Ay weight is dis'posedon v`the top of the `carton lstock to control this feed. The

maior portion of the blanks is supported upon a Areciprocating feed table H. The feed table ||0 has a lforward portion which is at a slightly lower level than the rearportion thereof, as best shown inf-Figs. '7 and 10. The juncture of the Ytwo portions provides a shoulder H2 (Fig. 7)

whichV is substantially the thickness of one of the blanks, but which may be slightly less than the actual thickness thereof so that as the feed table is moved in l.the feeding direction, the

shoulder ,H2- abutsagainst the rearedge of :one

of the blanks and pushes it .out `fromgllrlfr the stack ,and intofolding position :on `the forming table. When the vfeed rtable Hills in dts-retracted position, the next lsucceeding vbla-nk:will drop clown onto the topsurface thereof :forwardly of the shoulder H2 and as that particularblank is moved to the forming,table`, `,the @remaining blanks are `Supportaci upon ytherear raised-:portion of the vfeed table.

The table sin ismovabiyA-sunpcrtei.bylmeans of pairs of rollers-l I4 which are supported upon depending bracketsyl lfongopposite Asides -;of vthe table with the rollers l |,4jrunngingrontrackways I8 which are mounted to the frame Bilfonj-oppgsite sides lof the table. .f

The 4'means for vreciproci-ming ltimed relation to lthe y,other-operation will be described in detail hereinafter.

The vfolding meansV is generally indicated at lill .and is particularly shown inl-Figs. `v1 B, 4, -6, 8, 9, and 16. The hold-down meansiis generally indicated at |22 and is v4particularly vshown in Figs. 1, 3, 4, 14, l5, and 16. a l Y f y y The folding means includes a bottom |24-having side folding A.members A26 and |23 pivctally connected thereto by means -of pivot pins Aliti) which pass through cooperating hinge Ilugs provided on members |24, |26, and |128. n vf End 'membersl and |34Vare vvpivotall-y con nected to Athe end edges :ofi-bottom `member |24 by means \of pivot pins |36 which are passed through cooperating ,hinge lugs-.provided onzadijacent members |24, |32-, VVand |34, urflilxtension membersA |38 andr |40 are pivotally connected to members |32 and |34, respectively,by Ameans xnf pivot pins |42 which .are received ..through Iclooperating hinge lugs `formed .0n the adjacent |40 are substantially co-extensiveirl area with the corresponding portions of the carton .blank sok .that when the blank is .positioned on the ,forming means, the score lines -on Ythe blankvlie ,sub-

lstantially at the -l`vpivot junctures of these folding The members 1.32..,andl34 `are provided with central. recesses .or apertures H44 .therethrough and members |38 andilli) ,are vprovided with inwardlyextending projections v|46 lwl'iich are lo-v cated to project within recesses '14,4 whenextensions |38 and |40 are folded inwardly ,over their adiacentendgmemberssp este engage. the tongues the sat1-e im Ain 46 and force them outwardly through slots 42 to lock the carton portions as shown in Fig. 19.

Each of the extensions |38 and |40 has a ber block |48 mounted on the leading edge thereof; and such block has a curved surface |50 which serves to move flippers |12 of the hold-down mechanism out of the way as shown in Fig. 16 and which is for a purpose that will become more apparent from the later description.

The folding means also include gusset-breaking elements |60 disposed adjacent each of the ends of front and rear side wall members |26 and |28. Such members |60 have inwardly directed, curved surfaces joined by diagonal ridge lines |62' which are adapted to engage the score lines 36 of the gussets 34 in Fig. 1'7 as sides |26 and |28 move upwardly so as to break the gusset along those score lines to cause them to fold inwardly. The members |60 for each of the sides |26 and |28 are fixed to a pivot shaft |64', by means of a set screw, or the like, which is pivotally mounted on suitable bearing lugs on members |26 and |28. One of the members |60' for each of the pairs of arms |26 and |28 has a pin |66' (Fig. 4) connected thereto against which one end of a spring |68 resiliently bears. The spring |68' is Wound about shaft |64' and the opposite end of the spring bears against shaft |30. Thus, the members |60' will move upwardly with walls |26 and 28, but may be pivoted with respect thereto; that is, when the arms |26 and |28 reach vertical positions, as arms |32 and |34 move upwardly they will cause the members |60' to move outwardly so that walls 32 and |34 may abut against walls |26` and |28 when all of these walls are in a vertical position.

Walls |32 and |34 are formed with projecting shoulders which are adapted to overlie the adjacent edges of members |26 and |28 when the Walls are in vertical positions.

The walls |26 and |28 are normally urged to horizontal positions by means of coil springs |12" which embrace shafts |30 and have the opposite ends thereof bearing against the top surfaces of wall |26 and bottom |24 and wall |28 and bottom |24. The ends of the spring may be received within recesses so that they will be ush with the surfaces.

The hold-down mechanism |22 includes a vertically-reciprocating rod |52 which is mounted in spaced bearing brackets |54. Such bearing brackets |54 may be supported on a mounting plate |56 which in turn may be supported on frame 30. The brackets are so positioned that the hold-down mechanism is disposed above the bottom |24 of the folding means |20.

The hold-down mechanism |22 may, in general, be considered as a plunger mechanism, which includes a rectangular, open frame member |60 which is adjustably threaded to the lower endfof rod 52. A pair of lower, outwardly directed flipper members |62 is pivotally connected to a pivot rod |64 which extends across the opening in member |60, with the ends thereof received in the upstanding sides of such frame member. The members |62 have outwardly-extending, generally flat surface portions which are adapted to bear against the major portion of the top surface of the carton bottom substantially coeXtensive there.. with, as shown in Fig. 16, and with the end edges of the members |62 extending along the junctures of the bottom and end walls of the carton so that the carton is held down against the bottom folding member |24 and the side and end walls of the carton may be accurately bent along their score lines as the wall members of the folding means move to their vertical positions. The members |62 are formed with arms terminating in bearing portions |66 throughwhich the shaft |64 extends. One of the bearing `members |66 for each of the flippers |62 is formed with a projection |68 which extends on the opposite side of the shaft from the main portion of the flipper; and a set screw |10, having a lock nut, is threaded through a tapped opening in the projection |68. The lower end of the set screw is adapted to adjustably bear against the top tapered surface |12' of the lower horizontal portion of frame |60 so as to limit the upward pivotal movement of the flippers |62. By setting the screw |10 the flippers |62 may be adjusted so that the major portions thereof lie flat against the carton bottom. When the hold-down mechanism |22 is moved upwardly the outer ends of the flippers |62 may drop downwardly, as shown in Fig. 15, so that there will be ample clearance in withdrawing the hold-down mechanism from the folded carton.

A pair of upper flipper members |12 is disposed above the flipper members |62, and such members are generally of the same form as members |62. Such members |12 have arms terminating in bearings |14 through which shaft |16 extends. The shaft |16 is disposed above shaft |64, and has the ends thereof mounted in the upstanding portions of frame |60. The bearing portions |14 have flat top surfaces |16; and a set screw |18, for each of the flippers |12 is threaded through a tapped opening in the top horizontal portion of frame |60, with the lower end thereof abutting against the flat surface |16' of one of the bearings |14 for each of the'flippers |12. The set screw |18, for its particular flipper |12, is disposed on the same side of the axis of shaft |16 as its particular flipper |12 extends. Thus the upward movement of each flipper |12 is limited. The flippers |12 are urged to this upper position by means of a coil spring which is disposed around shaft |16 with one of the free ends engaging the inner surface of one of the arms for one of the flippers |12 and the opposite free edge engaging the inner surface of one of the arms of the other flipper |12. Thus the flippers |12 are resiliently urged upwardly so that the major portions thereof normally lie in a substantially horizontal plane, as shown in Fig. 15, but may be moved downwardly against the action of spring |80.

The purpose of the flippers |12 is that they engage the gussets 34 (see Fig. 17) and hold the gussets against the end walls 28 and 30 during a portion of the folding operation. The flippers |12 are then in the horizontal position; and as the extensions |38 and |40 are folded downwardly and inwardly to fold the extensions 40 (see Fig. 17) over the gussets 34 the fiber blocks |48 mounted on extensions |38 and |40 will engage the top surfaces of the major portions of the flippers |12 to pivot them downwardly, to the position shown by broken lines in Fig. 15. This relationship is allso shown in Fig. 16, which illustrates the action of the extension in engaging and moving the flippers |12 downwardly. The extensions 40 on the carton atthis time engage and hold the gussets 34, and they are then locked in position against the end walls 28 and 30 of the carton. i

A rubber bumper member or pad |82 is cemented on the under surface of the lower horizontal portion of frame |60 and is adapted to engage a central portion of the bottom of the Garten. Marking dies |84, which may have `nu. meralsor other indiciaformed thereon, are re-. movably :received through anopening in the bot-A tom-l24, ,and the pad .|82 .willtforce rthe carton bottom against the dies to impress such indicia on the-carton. f y

As mentioned previously lthe feed 'table lill-.is reciprocated between the hopperand the folding station; A single flat `blank is ,movedto the folding station and ,is positioned over the fold-, ing mechanism |20 so that the bottom ofthe care` ton accurately overlies the `bottom |214 vof the folding mechanism. y Stops` ./|-8,6 are mounted on frame .80 in suchaposition as to limit themovea ment of the'carton blank, and .other -stopsv |88 engage the leading gussets so kas to properlyposif. tion :the blank. f Other stops |90 are mounted on the frame and are provided with upwardly inclined top surfaces over whichzthe projections 4|] pass as the carton is vput in folding position. Such stops terminate' in vertical walls .which serve as Vstops and. limiting means to further properly hold the carton blank in properfolding position. s

One v of the important .details ofthe present invention includes the provision of resilient wires |92, which .are mounted .on inwardly. directed rods |94, `supported on .the frame 8|), and .positioned so that the wires |92 extend longitudinally of the path of travel of the carton Ilolankas such blank is `moved to the folding position. vThe ,re-1 silient members |92 extend downwardly toward the vfolding bed and are above the .carton blank so that they engage the cartonblank. as. it is moved toward the folding position, 'and urge -lt against the leading lower Isurface of table M6. They thus hold the carton blank in substantially the position shown in- Fig 3, at the Yfolding sta'- tion,.so that the following edge ofthe carton fblank is held against the corners yof shoulder |12. The wires V|92 thus urge the carton blank downf .wardly' causing the carton to bow upwardly 'in the middleand causing extended ends 4D to `be bent below the top edge of .|90 .so that the blank will` remain within the guides |86, |38 andIIQ', respectively, as .the table `is withdrawn.

When the blank is positioned on the folding table the plunger mechanism |22 is depressed Iso that .the flippers |62 engage the bottom ofthe carton, as mentioned above.

walls |26 and |28 together with their .gusset breaking members |60 movingv upwardly first as .shown in Fig. 4. The members |32 zand |34,1to gether with their extensions, thenimove upwardly x to complete the folding operation withthe extensions |33 andY l|461 :folding downwardly and in'- wardly so that tabs 46 are passed through sllots 42 to lock the carton walls in the form shown in Fig.4 18.

The mechanism for causing the pivotalfmovement of the walls |26, |28, |32, |34, and exten- ;sions |38 and 'l i6 is bestshown'in Figs. '10,f12, and

.natingin-outwardly directed flanges 208.1,.:The-

The @Walls ofv the folding mechanism vare then pivoted upwardly,

,frame members. versel y. of the frame and has a drivenl sprocket l22.460 keyed, or ,otherwise fixed, thereto. `A l'sprocket upper ends .of spr-ing members `2l3| are adapted to bear against rollers .2lb which are rotatably mounted on Vbrackets xed to the back or outer sides ofzwall members |26 and |28. Thus, as frame 2F36- moves upwardly the members 2,06 resiliently-bear `against rollers 2li), thereby forcing Athe, walls |26 and |28 to pivot upwardly to a ,verticali position, as .shown .by the broken lines in Fig. l2. f

`.The means for `pivoting the walls |32 and S34, including the turning or downward and inward pivotal -movement of the extensions |38 and |43, includesva pair of upwardly -directed links 2-|2 disposed on opposite sides of frame 206 .and hav ing their .upper ends pivotally connectedto `one arm of va bell crank member 214 by means of a vpivot pin 2|6. The upper surface of this Varm bears against the Aunder surface of its wall member |32 or |3fl and is pivoted to the pivot shaft |gd2.- A resilient bumper 2|6 may be interposed between the facing surfaces of wall members |32 and i345 and the bell crank lmember 2M. member 2M is then rigidly connected to its extension |38 or |46 so that upon the upward movement of links 2,| 2 the walls |32 and |345 vare vfirst moved'to a vertical position and thereafter lthe extensions 38 and |40are pivoted about pivot pins Ai112 to cause theY extensions to pivot downwardly land inwardly to the positions shown in broken lines in Fig. 13. This causes the projec-A tion` |25 to move through the recess or opening ldzfor the purpose mentioned above.

`The lower ends of links 2|2 are pivotally conn nected to outer ends of short links 2|8 .by pivot pins 2,26, the inner ends of links 2 l Bbeing pivotally connected to a bracket or supporting member fixed to the underside of frame 26E! by means of pivot pins 222. The under edges of links 2|8 are resiliently supported and urged against the .under sides of frames 206 by means of a .coil spring`224 which embraces a bolt 226. The opposite :ends of the' spring may bear .against washers 228 .and 239, washers 223 bearingl against links-2m and the .bo1t'226 extending .through frame 263 and angle brackets 26| and being mounted thereon by means `offa nut 232. The spring .224 and the mounting therefor thus serve as resilientbumpers to prevent injury to the parts when the folding means vreaches the upper end of its stroke and permitsadjusting of tensionv of same. The links 23.2 .are further resiliently held together about their pivots 220 by means of a coil spring 234 having the opposite ends thereof connected to such links.V

The-table. `EH), the vrod |152 of the hold-down mechanism |22, and the rod 262 of the folding mechanism |20 are caused to reciprocate in proper timed relationship by the means to be described. Such means includes a prime mover, which may be an electric motor 236, which is -mounted on frame 86 vunder the tableportion of the frame -andrwhich 'is operatively connected to a speed yreducer 238. The motor and `speed reducer are The'speed reducer 233 has a drive shaft prou `jecting therefrom to which the hub `of a driving `sprocket ,22.0 is keyed, or otherwise xed. A main shaft 24.2 is rotatably mounted in bearingbrackets 2M, which in turn are mountedA on longitudinal The shaft 242 extends trans- The 9 chain 248 is trained about sprockets 246 and 2,46 for driving shaft 242.

A crank arm 256 (see Figs. 5, 10 and 11) is fixed to one end of the shaft 242 and has a crank pin 252 projecting outwardly therefrom at the outer end of the crank arm. A roller 254 is mounted on pin 252. A cam 256 is fixed to shaft 242 and another cam 258 is also xed to shaft 242 for rotation therewith.

The crank 256 serves to operate the table H6; d

upper end of the lever 266 is connected through a link 266 with the table ||6, being pivotally connected to one end of the link 266 by means of a pivot pin 268.

The link 266 is adjustable in length, and the opposite or rear end thereof is pivotally connected to one of the depending brackets I I6 of the table 2|6 by means of a pivot pin 216. A plate 212 having a cam slot 214 formed therein is xedly mounted to one edge of the lever 266 intermediate the ends thereof. The roller 254 is rotatably received within the cam slot 214 so that as the crank 256 is turned in a counterclockwise direction, viewing Fig. 10, the lever 266 is caused to pivot about pivot 262, causing the table H6 to advance and retract in carrying a carton blank to the folding position and return therefrom.

The cam 256 is operatively connected to the shaft 202 by means of a lever 216, the rear end of which is pivotally connected to a bracket 218 by means of a pivot pin 286. The bracket 218 is mounted on a transverse frame member of the main frame 86. A follower roller 282 is pivotally mounted on pivot pin 284 intermediate the ends of lever 216 and so located that the roller 282 is adapted to engage and follow the edge of cam 256 to cause the lever 216 to pivot about the pivot 286. The free end of lever 216 has a roller 286 mounted thereon by means of pivot pin 288 on which roller 286 is positioned to engage the undersurface of a disc 260 fixed to the lower end of shaft 262. It will be evident that as the cam 256 rotates the lever 216 is caused to pivot so that as it pivots upwardly the shaft 262 is moved upwardly to cause the folding of the sides of the folding mechanism |26. as disclosed above.

The shaft 262 may be permitted to return by gravity or. if a more positive action is desired, a coil spring 292 may be provided having the lower end thereof fixed to frame and having the upper end thereof suitably connected to the frame 266. The spring 292 would thus always hold the disc 290 in engagement with roller 286.

The cam 258 is operatively connected to shaft |52 for operating the hold-down mechanism |22 through a lever 294 and has the return end thereof pivotally connected to brackets 286 by means of a pivot pin 298 (see Fig. 1). The brackets 266 may be mounted on the same transverse frame member as brackets 218. A follower roller 366 is pivotally mounted on lever 294 by means of a pivot pin 362 intermediate the ends of the lever, such roller 366 being adapted to engage and follow the edge of cam 258. The forward end of lever 294 is pivotally connected by means of a vwalking beam 3| 6.

10 pivot pin 364 with the lower end of an upright link 366. The upper end of link 366 is pivotally connected by a pivot pin 368 with one end of a Such walking beam 316 is pivotally connected intermediate its ends by means of a pivot pin 3|2 with an upright mounting member 3|4 which may be fixedly mounted to the frame 86 as shown in Fig. 1. The opposite end of pin 3|6 has a link 3|4 pivotally connected thereto by means of a pivot pin 3|6, the opposite end of the link 3|4 being pivotally connected to the upper end of shaft |52 by means of a pivotl pin 3| 8. As the cam 258 rotates it causes an upward pivotal movement of lever 264 which in turn causes an upward movement of link 366 to thereby depress shaft |52 and move the holddown mechanism 22 downwardly to its holddown position. A coil spring 326 (Fig. 5) may be provided having the lower end thereof connected to the frame 86 and having the upper end there of connected to the link 366 so that the roller 366 will be held against the edge of cam 258 and the link 366 will be pulled downwardly to raise the hold-down mechanism |22 to its upper position.

The cam slot 214 of plate 212, and cams 256 and 258, are so designed and positioned on the shaft that the reciprocation of the table, the operation of the hold-down mechanism |22, and the operation of the folding mechanism are accomplished in proper sequence and timed relationship. Thus as the main shaft 242 is driven, at the initial stages of operation the table ||6 is in its retracted position, the hold-down mechanism |22 is raised, and the shaft 262 is lowered so that the sides of the folding mechanism lie substantially horizontal. The table |6 moves under the hopper to engage the lower-most blank and move it to the folding position. The table is returned to its original position and the hold-down mechanism |22 is depressed to engage the bottom of the blank. The shaft 262 is then moved upwardly so that the sides of the folding mechanism are pivoted to fold the carton sides, as discussed above. After the completion of the folding operation the shaft 262 returns to its lower-most position at which time the sides cf the folding mechanism return to their original positions and the hold-down mecha"- nism |22 moves upwardly. So that the folded carton will not follow the hold-down mechanism as it moves upwardly a depending finger 3|6 is mounted on frame 86 (Figs. 1, 3, and 4) and is so positioned to engage one erige ofthe folded Carton, as shown in Fig. 4. The carton will thus be held down as the hold-down mechanism-'moves up. As the next succeeding carton blank is moved to the folding position the leading edge of the blank engages the folding carton and pushes it' onto a disposal chute 3|2 where the folded cartons may be collected and removed.

Brackets 3|2 (Fig. 4) are mounted on tbe frame and engage flaps 56 to hold them out of the way while extended ends |38 and |46 move upward and over as they fold ends 28 and 36 and extended ends 46 upward and over.

Formal changes may be made in the specific embodiment of the invention described without departing from the spirit and substancev of the invention, the scope of which isl commensurate with the appended claims.

What is claimed is:

l. In a machine for folding carton blanks hav.. ing a bottom.- side walls, and end walls and in which said end walls are provided with extensions adapted to fold over cornergussets, .means for supporting said blank, means to engage and 2. In a machine for folding carton blankshaving a bottom, side walls, and end walls and in which said end walls are provided with extensions adapted to fold over corner gussets, means for supporting said blank, means to engage and turn the side and end walls perpendicular to the plane of said bottom, means to engage the cornerv gussets and cause them to fold inwardly as said` walls move, means to fold said extensions inwardly and downwardly over said corner gussets, and a plunger movable into engagement with said bottom before the folding of the blanks, said plunger having a movable means thereon engageable with said gussets during the folding of said extensions to hold said gussets in their inwardly folded position.

3. In a machine for folding carton blanks having a bottom, side Walls, and end walls, means for supporting said blanks, means to engage and turn the side and end walls .perpendicular to the plane of said bottom, a plunger movable into engage-l ment with said bottom before the folding of the blanks, and elements movably mounted on said plunger and movable into engagement with said bottom along the lines of juncture between the bottom and end walls before the folding of the blanks. i

4. In a machine for folding carton blanks having a bottom, side walls, and end walls, means for supporting said blanksr means to engage and turn the side and end Walls perpendicular to the plane of said bottom, a plunger movable into engagement with said bottom before the folding of the blanks, a pair of elements substantially coextens'ive with the area of said bottom in'ovably mounted on said plunger and movable into engagement with said bottom along the lines of 5 juncture between the bottom and end walls before the folding of the blanks.- f

5. In a machine vfor folding carton blanks having a bottom, side walls, and end walls, means for supportingv said blanks, means to engage and turn the side and end walls perpendicular to the plane of said bottom, and a .plunger means movable into engagement with said bottombefore the folding of the blanks, said plunger means including elements movably mounted on said plunger and movable into engagement with said bottom along the lines of juncture between the bottom and end walls before the folding of the blanks.

6. In a machine for folding carton blanks having a bottom, side walls, and end walls, means for supporting ysaid blanks, means to engage and turn the side and end vwalls perpendicularto the plane fof said bottom, a plunger movable into engagement with `said bottom before the foldingr of the blanks, and a pair of laterally extending elements pivotally mounted on said plunger and pivotally movable linto `engagementl with said bottom along the lines of juncture between the bottom and end walls before the folding ofthe blanks,

7. In a 'machinefor folding carton blanks having a bottom, side walls, and end walls, means for supporting said blanks, means to engage and turn the side'and end walls perpendicular to the `plane of said bottom, a plunger movable into engage`- vvment with said bottom before the folding of the blanks, a pair oi laterally extending elements pivotally mounted on said plunger and pivotally movable into engagement with said bottom along the lines of juncture between the bottom and end walls before the folding of the blanks, and adjustable means to limit the extent of pivotal movement of said elements.`

8. In a machine for folding carton blanks having a bottom, side walls, and end walls and in which said end walls are'provided with extensions adapted to fold over corner gussets, means for supporting said blank, means to engage and turn the side and end'walls perpendicular to the plane of said bottom, means to engage the corner gussets and cause them to fold inwardly as said walls move, means to fold said extensions inwardly and downwardly over said corner gulSsets a plunger movable into engagement with said bottom before the folding of the blanks, elements ,movably mounted on said plunger and movabley intoI engagement with said bottom along the lines of juncture between the bottom and end walls before the folding` ofr the blanks, and other movableA elements movably mounted on said plunger engageable withfsaid gussets during the folding of said extensions engage the corner gussets and cause them to fold inwardly as said walls move, means to fold said extensions inwardly and downwardly of said corner gussets, a plunger movable'into engagement with said bottom before the folding of the blanks, elements movably mounted on said plunger and movable into engagement with said bottom along the lines of juncture between the bottom and end wallsl before the folding of the blanks, and other movable elements krnovably mounted on said plunger above said first-named elements engageable with said gussets during the folding of said extensions to hold the gussets in their inwardly folded position.

1D. In a machine for folding carton blanks having a bottom, side walls, and end walls and in which lsaid end walls are provided with extensions adapted to fold over corner gussets, means for supporting said blank, means tov engage and turn the side and end walls perpendicular to the plane of said bottom, means to engage the corner gussets and cause them to fold inwardly as said walls move, means to fold said extensions inwardly and downwardly over said corner 'gussets, a plunger movable into en- 'gagement with said bottom before the folding of the blanks, a pair of laterally extending ele- 'ments movably mountedon said plunger and movable into engagement 'with said bottom along the lines of juncture between the bottom in which said end walls are provided with extensions adapted to fold over corner gussets, means for supporting said blank, means to e'ngage and turn the side and end walls perpendicular to the plane of said bottom, means to engage the corner gussets and cause them to fold inwardly as said walls move, means to fold said extensions inwardly and downwardly over said corner gussets, a plunger movable into engagement with said bottom before the folding of the blanks, a pair of laterally-extending elements pivotally mounted on said plunger and pivotally movable into engagement with said bottom along the lines of juncture between the bottom and end walls before the folding of the blanks, and another pair of laterally-extending elements pivotally mounted on said plunger above said first-named pair engageable with said gussets during the folding of said extensions to hold the gussets in their inwardlyfolded position.

12. In a machine for folding carton blanks having a bottom, side walls, and end walls and in which said end walls are provided with extensions adapted to fold over corner gussets, means for supporting said blank, means to engage and turn the side and end walls perpendicular to the plane of said bottom, means to engage the corner guss-ets and cause them to fold inwardly as said walls move, means to fold said extensions inwardly and downwardly of said corner gussets, a plunger movable into engagement with said bottom before the folding of the blanks, a pair of laterally-extending elements pivotally mounted on said plunger and pivotally movable into engagement with said bottom along the lines of juncture between the bottom and end walls before the folding of the blanks, another pair of laterally-extending elements pivotally mounted on said plunger above said first-named pair engageable with said gussets during the folding of said extensions to hold the gussets in their inwardly-folded position, and adjustable means to limit the extent of pivotal movement of said elements.

13. In a machine for folding carton blanks having side walls and end walls provided with extensions, a support member for said blank, side members pivotally connected to said support member, end members pivotally connected to said support member, extension members pivotally connected to the free edges of said end members, each of said end members having an inwardly facing recess formed therein, each of said extension members having a projection formed thereon adapted to be received within the said recess, and means to pivot said side, end, and extension members to thereby fold the sides, ends, and extensions of said blank.

14. In a machine for folding carton blanks having side walls and end walls provided with extensions, a support member for said blank, side members pivotally connected to said support member, end members pivotally connected to said support member, extension members pivotally connected to the free edges of said end members, said end and extension members .having complementary recesses and projections formed thereon so that said projections ane adapted to be received within the said recesses, and means to pivot said side and end extension members to thereby fold the sides, ends, and extensions of said blank.

l5. In a machine for folding carton blanks having side walls and end walls provided with extensions,` a support member for said blank, side members pivotally connected to said support member, end members pivotally connected to said support member, extension members pivotally connected to the free edges of said end members, each of. said end members having an inwardly facing central recess formed therein, each of said extension members having a, central projection formed thereon adapted to be received within the said recess, and means to pivot said side and'end extension members to thereby fold the'sides, ends, and extensions of said blank.

16. In a machine for folding carton blanks having a bottom, side walls and end walls and in which said end walls are provided with extensions adapted to fold over corner gussets, in combination, a support member for said blank, side members pivotally connected to said support member, end members pivotally connected to said support 'membeig I extension members pivotally connected to the free edges of said end members, a plunger disposed'above and movable toward said support, a pair of laterally extending elements pivotally mounted on said plunger and extending to a position to engage said gussets during the folding of the blanks, means to move said elements downwardly out of engagement with said gussets as said extensions are folded inwardly and downwardly over said gussets, means to pivot said side, end, and extension members to thereby fold the sides, ends, and extensions of said blank and means to move said plunger toward and from said support.

i7. In a machine for folding Icarton blanks having a bottom, side walls and end walls and in which said end walls are provided with extensions adapted to fold over corner gussets, in combination, a support member for said blank, side members pivotally connected to said support member, end members pivotally connected to said support member, extension members pivotally connected to the free edges of said end members. a plunger disposed above and movable toward said support, a pair of laterally extending elements pivotally mounted on said plunger and extending to a position to engage said gussets during the folding of the blanks, means on said extension members engageable with said elements to move said elements downwardly out of engagement with said gussets as said extensions are folded inwardly and downwardly over said gussets, means to pivot said side, end, and extension members to thereby fold the sides, ends, and extensions of said blank, and means to move said plunger toward and from said support.

18. In a machine for folding carton blanks having a bottom, side walls and end walls and in which said end walls are provided with extensions adapted to fold over corner gussets, in combination, a support member for said blank, side members pivotally connected to said support member, end members pivotally connected to said support member, extension members pivotally connected to the free edges of said end members, a plunger disposed above and movable toward said support, a pair of laterally exnding elements pivotally mounted on said plunger and extending to a position to engage said gussets during the folding of the blanks, means on said extension members engageable with said elements to move said elements downwardly out of engagement with said gussets as said extensions are folded inwardly and downwardly over said gussets, another pair of laterally extending elements pivotally mounted on said plunger below said 'emana juncture between the bottom and end Walls dur-1 ing the folding of the blank, means to pivot said side, end,and extension members to thereby Vfold the sides, ends, and extensions of said blank, and means to move 'the plunger toward and from the support.

19. In a machine for folding carton 'blanks having a bottom, side Walls and end Walls and in which said end Walls yare provided with extenmember, end members pvotally connected to .said support member, extension members pivotally connected to the free edges of said vend` members, and recprocable means resilient-,1y connectible with said side, end, and vextension members to pivot-such members and thereby fold `the ,im .2,289,010

sides, ends, and extensions of said blank.

ANDREW R. CAKE.

, 116 nEFERENoEs CITED- The lfollowing references are of record in the file of this patent:

Um'rrzn STATES PATENTS Number Name Date 413,323 Herberger et al Oct. 22, 1889 1,000,991 lComi-rigs Aug, 22, 1911 1,257,988 Evers Mar. 5, 1918 1,281,982 :Labombarde Oct. 15,1918 1,297,748 Streeper Mar. 18, 1919 1,915,921 Carle June 27, 1938 1,937,027 Low Nov. 2S, 1933 2,017,583 Burrow Oct. 15,1935 2,042,719 Lindgren June 2, 1936 2,082,365 Strawet al June 1, 1937 '2,110,368 Lautzenheiser Mar. 8, 1938 .2,132,859 Medick et al Oct. 11,1988 2,270,871 Felber Jan. 27, 1942 Greenwood July 7, *1942, 

